Meaning
慢 is one of the most basic adjectives in Mandarin, describing speed or pace that is not fast. It can describe physical movement, mental processes, or the tempo of activities. As a verb, it means to slow down or take one's time.
Usage
慢 is extremely common in everyday speech. It's used both as a stative verb (是慢的 'is slow') and as an adverb before other verbs (慢慢走 'walk slowly'). The phrase 慢慢来 is a frequent encouragement meaning 'take your time.' When bidding farewell, Chinese speakers often say 慢走 or 慢点儿走 as a polite way to say 'take care' or 'go carefully.'
Examples
- 01你说得太快了，请慢一点儿。, .You're speaking too fast, please slow down a bit.
- 02别着急，我们慢慢来。, .Don't worry, let's take our time.
Common collocations
- 慢慢来take your time
- 慢走take care (farewell phrase)
- 慢点儿a bit slower
- 太慢了too slow
Antonyms
Origin
The character 慢 contains the heart radical 忄(心) on the left, suggesting an emotional or mental state, combined with 曼 (màn), which originally meant 'long' or 'extended.' Together they convey the idea of a leisurely, unhurried attitude or pace.